Rattling/tapping noise

98Viperblue · Jan 31, 2012

This has just started happening today. When I accelerate hard I get some loud tapping and or ratting like noise. I don't really feel any power loss or hesitation but just a pretty loud rattle above 3k. I have no idea what it could be. It also does it while stopped in neutral just revving above 3k as well. I have a video I will try to post it up soon.

mstg98 · Jan 31, 2012

I have something similar going on as well. Im cheap and have been running 87oct and thought maybe it was some valve clatter? I went up to mid grade and it seem to lesson the noise significantly. I dont have enough know how to diagnose it myself, going to have to take mine to someone Mine only happens on hard acceleration too doesn't start till I'm almost WOT. Let me know if you find a fix!

98Viperblue · Jan 31, 2012

Same here. It seems to be on the driver side as well. I only have 93k on the car so it kinda worries me I hope it's nothing serious

mstg98 · Jan 31, 2012

I just hit 157k

if your anything like me, I cant stand to hear any kind of rattle or clatter, not even change haha. Planning on getting this looked at with this year's Tax rebate. I miss my highway Pulls

Michael Plummer · Jan 31, 2012

If your car drives fine without any misses, surging, or hestitation then it might be a lifter that bled down.

twovalveterror · Jan 31, 2012

yep, pop your valve cover off and check the lifters (lash adjusters). I really hope that's what it is, for you and your wallets sake.

JRad405 · Jan 31, 2012

^Now you're getting me worried. I have that same sound when I get on the gas. Like some chains rattling. But only while I'm driving if I rev while in neutral or park nothing happens. So for me I'm ruling out the lash adjuster or whatever the thing is.

mstg98 · Jan 31, 2012

Interesting that 3 of us so far have this problem Nothing when I rev either I forgot to mention. Hoping its a easy/ cheap fix.

MadStang · Jan 31, 2012

Michael Plummer said:
If your car drives fine without any misses, surging, or hestitation then it might be a lifter that bled down.

yup had that happen on mine. if you let it get bad enough the cam follower will fall out of its seat. mine we're incredibly loose and you could hear the valves were not opening and closing all the way, the note sounded like a dull "thump thump thump"

MadStang · Jan 31, 2012

JRad405 said:
^Now you're getting me worried. I have that same sound when I get on the gas. Like some chains rattling. But only while I'm driving if I rev while in neutral or park nothing happens. So for me I'm ruling out the lash adjuster or whatever the thing is.

taking the valve covers off is easy, especially on the driver side, just pop the cover of and feel the tension on the cam followers. if any feel like they could be taken out right then and there, you have a trashed lash adjuster.

JRad405 · Feb 1, 2012

Probably a job when it's warmer. I know this may be a stupid question, but do I need to drain the oil? I've never done this. I'm sure its not hard probably a new gasket some gasket sealer but I'm not sure about the oil part.

98Viperblue · Feb 1, 2012

I'm by no means stupid when it comes to working on a car, I just like to know what exactly this could be before I really dig in. Here is a video
http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/mikelovespaige/?action=view&current=IMG_1001.mp4

vermilion · Feb 1, 2012

manually turn your throttle at idle in neutral about 3k. listen with a stethoscope or long straight screw driver. in the mean time i'd check your pulleys. doesnt sound like valve train noise.

twovalveterror · Feb 1, 2012

a video closer to the engine would be better, all I heard was exhaust. lol. for everyone that got worried, there are a ton of things a "tapping/rattling" noise could be. checking lash adjusters only takes a couple minutes so it's an easy thing to rule out in the diagnostic process, as well as a common problem. what vermilion recommended would help a ton. a mechanics stethoscope is best, but I've used a screwdriver before too.

I've also had what I believe to be a rod bearing go out, that never really affected driving it, but made a hell of a noise (similar to what you described) starting at 2k onward. I will tear that engine apart this winter for confirmation of this, but I hope your problem is solved by then!

JRad405 · Feb 1, 2012

That video definitely doesn't sound like mine. I don't get noise unless I'm actually goosing it on the road. If I rev alone in my driveway, I hear nothing.

I'm thinking mines a loose screw somewhere.

MadStang · Feb 1, 2012

JRad405 said:
Probably a job when it's warmer. I know this may be a stupid question, but do I need to drain the oil? I've never done this. I'm sure its not hard probably a new gasket some gasket sealer but I'm not sure about the oil part.

No you do not need to change the oil, you don't even need a new gasket unless you REALLY want to change it.

twovalveterror · Feb 5, 2012

any news on this?

JRad405 · Feb 5, 2012

MadStang said:
No you do not need to change the oil, you don't even need a new gasket unless you REALLY want to change it.

If its that easy maybe I can put some new valve covers. I always wanted something to do up the engine a bit.

98Viperblue · Feb 5, 2012

Ill be sure to get another video. I think it might have smoehting to do with the pullies because now when it is damp outside i am getting a slight squeal noise.